“Presidential Message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception”

“Presidential Message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception”Occasion & FocusMarks December 8 as a Holy Day for Catholics, honoring Mary, mother of Jesus.Recognizes her faith, humility, and love, and her unique place in biblical history.Meaning of the FeastExplains that Catholics celebrate Mary’s freedom from original sin as the mother of God.Recounts the Annunciation: the Angel Gabriel greeting Mary in Nazareth and announcing she will conceive and bear Jesus.Highlights Mary’s acceptance: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord…” as a decisive moment that “forever altered the course of humanity.”Notes that nine months later, God became man in Jesus, who would die on the Cross for the redemption of sins and salvation of the world.Mary in American HistoryFor nearly 250 years, Mary has had a distinct role in the American story.1792: Bishop John Carroll consecrated the young United States to Mary.Early 1800s: Catholics credited Mary with Andrew Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans; a Mass of Thanksgiving is still held in New Orleans each January 8.Mentions American Catholic figures Elizabeth Ann Seton, Frances Xavier Cabrini, and Fulton Sheen, all deeply devoted to Mary.Describes the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., the largest church in North America.Notes Mary’s influence on churches, hospitals, schools, and nearly 50 colleges/universities named for her.Points to devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12) and her significance in the U.S. and Mexico.Mary as a Model of PeaceDuring World War I, Pope Benedict XV commissioned a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, with the infant Christ and an olive branch, to encourage prayers for peace.The message notes that a few months later, the war ended.Today, Americans are again urged to look to Mary for inspiration and encouragement, praying for an end to war and for a new era of peace, prosperity, and harmony, especially in Europe.Closing PrayerThe message concludes by reciting the Hail Mary, honoring Mary and invoking her intercession: